This documentary focuses on seashell waste management in Tanjung Priok, showcasing the innovative efforts and community participation in addressing the critical issue of seashell waste. The film explores the challenges and solutions to maintaining a clean and sustainable coastal environment.
Indonesia, as the world’s largest archipelago with over 17,508 islands, faces severe marine pollution caused by various waste sources such as industrial waste, household waste, and seashell waste. Among these, seashell waste stands out as a byproduct often deemed useless. However, seashell waste can be repurposed into craft materials like wall decorations and interior designs. It has also been utilized in innovative ways such as livestock feed, liquid fertilizer, and as a substitute material for paving blocks and bricks.
Despite these uses, seashell waste is often avoided due to its perception as dirty and useless. However, processing seashell waste, whether through chemical or mechanical methods, offers opportunities for innovation and environmental sustainability. Without proper management, seashell waste could disrupt the ecological balance.
With effective management by craftsmen, seashell waste has the potential to become a valuable source of income. Studies indicate that seashells predominantly consist of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), up to 96–98%. When heated to 700°C, they transform into calcium oxide (CaO), which can serve as a heterogeneous catalyst. The potential applications of seashell waste remain underexplored, despite its abundance along the eastern coast of Sumatra, from Aceh to Medan.